US scientist Elsa Reichmanis defends global collaboration amid scrutiny of science exchange
In July, Elsa Reichmanis, an esteemed American materials scientist, was honored with the China International Science and Technology Cooperation Award. Known for her pioneering research on photoresists in nanoscale semiconductor production, she serves as a professor and director at the Institute for Functional Materials and Devices at Lehigh University. Reichmanis was among nine awardees recognized for fostering scientific partnerships with Chinese scholars. At 72, she expressed surprise at receiving the accolade amid ongoing geopolitical strains, advocating for the preservation of science as a universally beneficial endeavor beyond technological conflicts.
Key facts
- Elsa Reichmanis received the China International Science and Technology Cooperation Award in early July 2024.
- She is a professor of chemical engineering at Lehigh University and director of its Institute for Functional Materials and Devices.
- Her work on chemically amplified photoresists enabled the nanoscale semiconductor industry.
- She was one of nine recipients of the award.
- The award recognizes exceptional contributions to scientific exchanges with Chinese researchers.
- Reichmanis described science as 'a universal language' that benefits all of society.
- She said research should remain distinct from tech rivalry.
- The award comes amid scrutiny of US-China science exchange.
Entities
Institutions
- Lehigh University
- Institute for Functional Materials and Devices
- South China Morning Post
Locations
- China
- United States